A C4ISR systems developer within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) was using Salesforce Government for its CRM operations. This helped them stay connected to customers, streamline processes, and improve profitability. While this solution worked well and had all the company wanted, their team realized it was considerably expensive compared to other solutions out there. Customizability, efficiency, sales outreach quality, productivity, and sales forecasting quality are some of the areas they felt Salesforce Gov CRM was lacking. Therefore, they started looking for other solutions out there. The DIB member settled on Dynamics 365 GCC High and its products, including D365 Customer Service Professional and D365 Sales Enterprise, and some add-ons. They contracted Cleared Systems to ensure a smooth transition from Salesforce Government Cloud CRM to D365 GCC High.
Objectives
With us being their trusted partner, the company was primed to unlock the full potential of Dynamics 365 GCC High for sustained success. To help them achieve this, the following objectives guided our solution:
- To seamlessly transition the C4ISR systems developer’s CRM operations from Salesforce Government Dynamics 365 GCC High cloud platform without disrupting its operations.
- To Fully customize the new platform aligning with company needs for optimal functionality, fostering smooth user adoption and operational efficiency.
- To Facilitate the company’s smooth transition by managing product licensing, training employees, and providing continuous support for sustained efficiency and effectiveness.
Challenges
Seamlessly Transitioning to Dynamics 365 GCC High While Ensuring Real-Time Data Flow
The first challenge was ensuring a seamless transition without disrupting operations. While data was well structured and classified, some of it was coming in real-time. The complexity stemmed from the dynamic nature of the data. Every customer interaction, sales lead generation, and information update represented a vital element in this ever-flowing river of data. This constant influx of data presented a significant challenge. The migration had to proceed without impacting ongoing activities, disrupting services, or causing downtime. Therefore, the challenge was not solely in transferring the data but in meticulously preserving its real-time flow.
Customizing the New D365 GCC High Instance and its Products
Adapting the new Dynamics 365 GCC High platform, its products, and add-ons to fit the contractor’s specific needs and workflows perfectly proved challenging. This was crucial in ensuring optimal functionality and smooth user adoption. However, because of adherence to strict regulatory requirements, customizations were limited. Our team had to strike a delicate balance between powerful features and intuitive interfaces while ensuring that customizations didn’t bring about holes that could impact the company’s regulatory compliance.
Integrating the Solution to Existing Systems and Tools
Seamlessly integrating Dynamics 365 with existing enterprise systems and tools added another layer of complexity. While Dynamics 365 GCC High offered compelling products and capabilities, its true potential could only be realized by its harmonious interoperability with the existing suite of enterprise systems and tools. Ensuring unimpeded data flow was a cornerstone of this challenge. Integrating Dynamics 365 required the construction of robust, interoperable channels between the company’s established information pathways and the new platform. The systems had to be connected in a manner that ensured real-time data flow between systems, ensuring the integrity and consistency of data flowing across the company’s information channels. Any discrepancies or incompatibilities had to be identified and addressed to prevent garbled messages or information loss, which could impede operational efficiency. The other formidable challenge in integrating the two systems was compatibility, as some applications in the C4ISR systems developer’s information systems used different protocols.
Adoption Issues
Change is never easy. The C4ISR systems developers’ employees were accustomed to Salesforce Government CRM and were now to shift to another platform. This made them resistant to adopting the new platform, especially after understanding some training was to be involved. Encouraging widespread acceptance of a Dynamics 365 GCC High among employees accustomed to Salesforce required a strategic approach.
Challenges
Phased Migration to Dynamics 365 GCC High
Our team implemented a phased migration strategy, prioritizing static data transfer while utilizing real-time data replication tools to transition active data streams seamlessly. However, we had to implement robust data validation and cleansing processes to guarantee data integrity and consistency in the new platform. This not only ensured accurate real-time data flow upon transition but also minimized downtime and ensured uninterrupted operations. To maintain continuous real-time data flow, Cleared Systems established automated data synchronization between Salesforce and Dynamics 365 GCC High. This eliminated manual updates and maintained data accuracy within both platforms during the migration process.
Collaborative Customization and Use of Pre-Configured Templates
We leveraged pre-configured, industry-specific, and DIB-compliant templates within Dynamics 365 GCC High, providing a base platform aligned with regulatory requirements. Our team also worked closely with the company to identify and implement essential required customizations within the regulatory framework. However, our team conducted rigorous testing and validation after every customization to guarantee functionalities remained intact and adhered to regulatory standards. By doing this, we ensured optimal functionality while minimizing potential compliance risks.
Custom System Integration
Our team developed custom integrations to connect Dynamics 365 GCC High with the company’s existing enterprise systems and tools. Where protocol discrepancies existed, we implemented data mapping and standardization techniques, ensuring consistent data formats and communication across disparate systems. This helped prevent information loss and garbled messages. Our team also established ongoing monitoring and maintenance processes to identify and address any potential integration issues or data flow disruptions. In the end, the executives could rest assured their information systems had seamless data flows and guaranteed long-term system stability and operational efficiency.
User Adoption
To address the user adoption issue, Cleared Systems provided tailored training programs for different user groups, addressing specific needs and workflows. We also implemented change management strategies to address employee concerns and build enthusiasm for the new platform. This fostered a positive adoption environment and encouraged proactive engagement. Our team also set up communication channels to gather user feedback and provide ongoing support during and after the transition.
Solutions
Phased Migration to Dynamics 365 GCC High
Our team implemented a phased migration strategy, prioritizing static data transfer while utilizing real-time data replication tools to transition active data streams seamlessly. However, we had to implement robust data validation and cleansing processes to guarantee data integrity and consistency in the new platform. This not only ensured accurate real-time data flow upon transition but also minimized downtime and ensured uninterrupted operations. To maintain continuous real-time data flow, Cleared Systems established automated data synchronization between Salesforce and Dynamics 365 GCC High. This eliminated manual updates and maintained data accuracy within both platforms during the migration process.
Collaborative Customization and Use of Pre-Configured Templates
We leveraged pre-configured, industry-specific, and DIB-compliant templates within Dynamics 365 GCC High, providing a base platform aligned with regulatory requirements. Our team also worked closely with the company to identify and implement essential required customizations within the regulatory framework. However, our team conducted rigorous testing and validation after every customization to guarantee functionalities remained intact and adhered to regulatory standards. By doing this, we ensured optimal functionality while minimizing potential compliance risks.
Custom System Integration
Our team developed custom integrations to connect Dynamics 365 GCC High with the company’s existing enterprise systems and tools. Where protocol discrepancies existed, we implemented data mapping and standardization techniques, ensuring consistent data formats and communication across disparate systems. This helped prevent information loss and garbled messages. Our team also established ongoing monitoring and maintenance processes to identify and address any potential integration issues or data flow disruptions. In the end, the executives could rest assured their information systems had seamless data flows and guaranteed long-term system stability and operational efficiency.
User Adoption
To address the user adoption issue, Cleared Systems provided tailored training programs for different user groups, addressing specific needs and workflows. We also implemented change management strategies to address employee concerns and build enthusiasm for the new platform. This fostered a positive adoption environment and encouraged proactive engagement. Our team also set up communication channels to gather user feedback and provide ongoing support during and after the transition.
Outcome
Streamlined Customer Engagement
Deploying Dynamics 365 GCC High transformed the company’s customer relationship management. D365 for Customer Management provided a unified platform for sales, marketing, and service teams, eliminating data silos and facilitating seamless communication. This resulted in a significant increase in the company’s customer engagement, measured by higher response rates and increased satisfaction scores. The streamlined workflows and integrated data enabled more personalized and timely customer interactions. Overall, the robust capabilities of Dynamics 365 GCC High helped strengthen customer relationships and loyalty by enhancing every touchpoint along the customer journey.
Enhanced Sales Productivity
D365 Sales Enterprise empowered the military uniform and apparel company’s sales team with AI-driven insights and sales automation tools. The platform optimized lead scoring and forecasting, enabling targeted outreach and improved deal closure rates. Within 6 months, the company saw a 20% rise in sales conversion rates, boosting revenue and market share. By leveraging D365’s predictive analytics and customer insights, sales reps could prioritize high-value opportunities and engage prospects at the right time with the right message. The increased efficiency and productivity enabled by D365 Sales Enterprise helped the company accelerate growth and outpace its competitors.
Improved Customer Service
Dynamic 365 GCC High Customer Service Professional empowered the service team with a 360-degree view of each customer. This, coupled with automated workflows and case management tools, led to a 30% reduction in average resolution times. Improved customer service further strengthened their brand reputation and boosted customer loyalty.
Dynamics 365 GCC High Drives Profitable Transformation
The strategic shift from Salesforce Government to Dynamics 365 GCC High, facilitated by Cleared Systems, not only addressed operational challenges but also propelled the C4ISR systems developer to unprecedented success. The meticulous execution of seamless transitions, collaborative customization, and robust system integration resulted in a remarkable financial outcome. Dynamics 365 GCC High not only streamlined customer engagement, enhancing satisfaction and response rates, but also significantly elevated sales productivity. This resulted in a considerable increase in conversion rates. Furthermore, the efficient deployment of D365 Customer Service Professional led to a 30% reduction in resolution times, solidifying brand reputation and customer loyalty. Importantly, the company experienced enhanced profitability while managing CRM licenses more cost-effectively, marking a triumphant journey toward sustained success.